Indonesia Begins Construction of First Scorpène Evolved Submarine
On August 7, 2026, PT PAL Indonesia held a steel-cutting ceremony in Surabaya, East Java, marking the start of construction for Indonesia’s first Scorpène Evolved submarine. Part of a partnership with France’s Naval Group, the submarine features lithium-ion batteries and advanced combat systems. Two submarines will be built domestically through technology transfer, with delivery expected by 2032. The program aims to modernize Indonesia’s naval fleet and enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
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Common ground
- Both agree that the arms trade is deeply political, not purely commercial, and that technology transfer embeds long-term strategic alignment.
- Both agree that one submarine by 2032 is a single point of failure and not a real fleet capability.
- Both agree that Indonesia's defense procurement process is opaque and lacks sufficient democratic oversight.
Points of contention
- Neutral Agent argues the deal is a strategically rational step because the alternatives (like Chinese submarines) are worse, while Western Agent says it's a false binary that locks Indonesia into French interests without building real capacity.
- Western Agent claims the deal bypasses democratic accountability and exploits Indonesia's weak institutions, while Neutral Agent says all countries have opaque defense procurement and this is no different.
- Neutral Agent believes a single submarine is better than none for deterring China, while Western Agent argues it triggers an arms race and doesn't actually deter China.
Blind spots
- Both overlook the possibility of regional security cooperation with Australia or Japan as a viable alternative to the French deal.
- Neither fully addresses how Indonesia could build genuine indigenous submarine capability over a longer timeline with multiple batches, like South Korea did.
- Both ignore the role of public opinion and civil society in Indonesia, focusing only on elite-level politics and military deals.
WorldAttention’s read
This debate shows that the submarine deal is neither a clear win nor a clear loss—it's a flawed compromise. Both sides agree that one submarine by 2032 is too little, too late, and that Indonesia's defense procurement lacks transparency. The real disagreement is whether this deal is the best option available or a strategic mistake that locks Indonesia into French interests without building real capability. The blind spot is that neither side fully explores alternatives like regional cooperation or a longer-term indigenous build-up. In the end, the deal's value depends on whether Indonesia orders more submarines and uses the technology transfer to build a real fleet, not just a single boat.
Wire timeline
PT PAL cuts steel for Indonesia’s first Scorpène submarine
On 7 August 2026, PT PAL Indonesia held a steel-cutting ceremony at its Surabaya shipyard, officially commencing construction of Indonesia's first Scorpène Evolved submarine. This milestone follows a March 2024 contract between PT PAL and France's Naval Group for two submarines equipped with lithium-ion batteries. Under the industrial partnership, PT PAL handles hull construction, integration, and delivery, while Naval Group provides design, engineering support, and a permanent technical team in Surabaya. Indonesian engineers completed training in Cherbourg, France. The Scorpène Evolved submarines measure 72 meters, displace 1,600-2,000 tons surfaced, and feature the SUBTICS combat management system with six weapon tubes and 18-weapon payload. They offer over 12 days of submerged endurance and 240+ days annual operational availability. The program supports Indonesia's defense self-sufficiency goals and is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs. This is part of broader Indonesia-France defense cooperation formalized in 2021-2022.
PT PAL cuts steel for Indonesia’s first Scorpène submarine
PT PAL Indonesia has begun construction of the country's first Scorpène Evolved submarine at its shipyard in Surabaya, following a steel-cutting ceremony on 7 August 2026. The submarine is part of a two-vessel contract awarded in March 2024 to PT PAL and France's Naval Group, featuring lithium-ion battery propulsion for enhanced submerged endurance. The project involves significant technology transfer, with Indonesian engineers trained in France. The Scorpène Evolved measures 72 meters, displaces 1,600-2,000 tons, and will carry the SUBTICS combat management system with 18 weapons. This program supports Indonesia's goal of defense self-sufficiency and is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs. Naval Group has delivered or is building 14 Scorpène submarines for Chile, Malaysia, Brazil, and India.
PT PAL cuts steel for Indonesia’s first Scorpène submarine
On 7 August 2026, PT PAL Indonesia held a steel-cutting ceremony at its Surabaya shipyard, officially commencing construction of the country's first Scorpène Evolved submarine. This follows a March 2024 contract between PT PAL and France's Naval Group for two submarines equipped with lithium-ion batteries, enhancing submerged endurance beyond 12 days. The project is part of the Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia (SRI) programme, supported by a 2021 intergovernmental agreement and a 2022 strategic partnership. PT PAL is responsible for hull construction, integration, and delivery, while Naval Group provides design, engineering support, and a permanent technical team in Surabaya. Indonesian engineers completed training in Cherbourg, France. The program aims to boost domestic submarine manufacturing, generate skilled jobs, and support Indonesia's defense self-sufficiency goals. Each submarine is 72 meters long, displaces 1,600-2,000 tons, and carries 18 weapons with the SUBTICS combat system.
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Indonesia Begins Construction of First Domestically Built Submarine
On August 7, 2026, Indonesia held a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya, officially launching the construction of its first domestically built submarine. The submarine is part of the Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia (SRI) program, a joint effort between Indonesia's PT PAL and France's Naval Group. Two Scorpène Evolved Full LiB submarines will be built entirely in Indonesia through a comprehensive technology transfer, following training of Indonesian engineers in Cherbourg, France. The submarines will feature lithium-ion battery propulsion, a SUBTICS combat management system, and six torpedo tubes capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes and Exocet anti-ship missiles. The program aims to build lasting domestic shipbuilding capability for Indonesia, which controls one of the world's largest maritime exclusive economic zones. Naval Group will provide design, engineering support, and a permanent team in Surabaya, while PT PAL handles hull construction, integration, and final assembly.
PT PAL Cuts First Steel for Indonesia’s Scorpène Evolved Submarine
On 7 August, Indonesia marked the start of construction for its first Scorpène Evolved submarine with a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java. The submarine, part of a collaboration between PT PAL and France's Naval Group, is scheduled for delivery in 2032. The event was attended by senior officials from the Indonesian Navy, PT PAL, and Naval Group, underscoring the strategic partnership in enhancing Indonesia's naval capabilities. This milestone advances Indonesia's efforts to modernize its submarine fleet under the Scorpène Evolved program.
PT PAL Cuts First Steel for Indonesia’s Scorpène Evolved Submarine
On 7 August, Indonesia marked the start of construction for its first Scorpène Evolved submarine with a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java. The event was attended by senior officials from the Indonesian Navy, PT PAL, and Naval Group. The submarine is expected to be delivered in 2032, representing a significant step in Indonesia's naval modernization efforts.
PT PAL Cuts First Steel for Indonesia’s Scorpène Evolved Submarine
On 7 August, Indonesia marked the start of construction for its first Scorpène Evolved submarine with a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java. The event was attended by senior officials from the Indonesian Navy, PT PAL, and Naval Group. The submarine is expected to be delivered in 2032, representing a significant step in Indonesia's naval modernization efforts under a partnership with France's Naval Group.